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Saturday, October 11, 2008

I got this from babycenter and thought to post it here, might help some parents like me on our quest to raise a happy and healthy child.

Read on..

There's no perfect prescription for raising a happy child, but there are some things you can do as a parent to tilt the odds in her favor:

Be responsive to her needs. Your love and compassion go a long way toward making your baby happy. Try to figure out what she's trying to tell you — "I'm tired" or "I'm hungry" — and respond appropriately.

Help your baby feel snug and secure. Hold her close and let her feel your heart beat. Play soft music or sing to her. Rub her tummy. Rock her or let her feel some other gentle, rhythmic motion. Give her something to suck on.

Play together. Babies need lots of "floor time" with you. Responsiveness and affection makes your baby feel confident that you will always support her. This confidence helps your baby develop into an independent, resilient, and happy child.

Talk to your baby. The soothing sound of your voice is a reassuring touchstone for your baby and an indication that you love her and are happy to be with her.